Buffalo Grove Days Returns with Hollywood Flair
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The 2012 Buffalo Grove Days will swing Hollywood style with two acts directly from national television competitions. Jamie Lono, a contestant from season two of NBC’s “The Voice,” will perform Saturday night on the Main Stage. Sunday night’s main Stage will showcase Casey Abrams from FOX-TV's AMERICAN IDOL, season ten.
As an “official” volunteer for the Buffalo Grove Days Committee, I am happy to be back as your go-to guide for Buffalo Grove Days. Most people don’t know this, but this mighty committee of approximately 75 volunteers has been working hard since February to bring you a festival like no other. This year, the gala will take place Aug. 29 – Sept. 3, and promises to wow!
In addition to Lono and Abrams, many more exciting acts are booked for the Main Stage this year. Friday night features 7th Heaven, a top pop-rock band. Later that night, the Little River Band will rock the stage. Heralding from Australia, the Little River Band hit the charts in America between 1976 and 1983 with singles such as “Lady,” “Cool Change” and “The Lonesome Loser.” On Sunday night, we can all rock out with ARRA and their classic rock covers from some of our favorite bands, including Journey, Boston, Styx, Rush, Van Halen, Creed, REO Speedwagon, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and Foreigner.
You might remember from last year that I promised some really fun performances in the Beer Tent. Frankly, this is where I have the most fun. Returning to the Beer Tent this year are Whitey O’Day, who plays acoustic guitar to perform folk country, ethnic songs, 50s and 60s, sing-a-longs and old standards. Back for a second year is Andrew Blenderman, a piano man with a repertoire of over 1800 sing-along songs. New to the tent this year is Midnight, a six-piece band that was recently awarded FIVE STARs from Gig Masters, a premier, nationwide on-line booking agency. I am told that Midnight is considered the top cover band within a 300-mile radius of Chicago. Sounds good to me!
In addition to the music, other acts will entertain the whole family. We have reptile shows, juggling, a ventriloquist and crafting. Our Arts and Craft Fair boasts vendors of jewelry, sports items and clothing among much more. The parade kicks off at 1 pm on Sunday on Bernard just east of Arlington Heights Road. Fireworks will shoot off later that night at 9:15 pm with prime viewing available from the Main Stage, Rotary Village Green, Willow Stream Park and the Buffalo Grove Golf Course. Plus, the carnival runs rides and games Thursday through Monday.
The entire fest culminates on Monday with Food & Fun, our program for kids with disabilities and their families. These special guests are treated to carnival rides, lunch and entertainment.
Check back here for updates on Buffalo Grove Days or visit the website at http://bgdays.com/.
Fiona Russell
8:41 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Will you provide details about the barbeque challenge...can't wait.
chuck posniak
5:52 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
BBQ Challenge will be Saturday sept 1st. entry forms are now at Village Hall and available on the Village's web site!
see you there!
Chuck Posniak
BBQ Chair/BG Days 2012
chuck posniak
6:00 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
go to www.bgdays.com and click on BBQ Challenge. Rules and entry form can be found there. We have a great time at this event and no prior experience required.
Chuck Posniak
BBQ Challenge co-chair
Joanne Johnson
8:42 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Look for details about the Barbeque Challenge on Friday! It's my next blog post.
J
9:04 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Can't wait.. Any chance of getting more assessible vehicles for the shuttle? Great idea with the shuttle but its very hard, for people w/physical disabilities to get into the golf carts Thank you.
Joanne Johnson
9:34 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
J: Let me talk to my committee about your concern. I do have a post scheduled that will discuss how to get to Buffalo Grove Days.
Alan Danenberg
10:24 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
FYI to everyone - the Friday night 10:30 to midnight band in the Beer Garden - MIDNIGHT - is fronted by Harry Reinhart. That's the same Harry Reinhart from Wheeling whose daughter, Haley, was an American Idol star! And you know there's a LOT of talent in that family!
Scott Fishkin
11:02 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
We also have a few spaces left for the Business Fare- contact the chamber to get those last few spaces- 50,000 people will get to know your business. 847-541-7799
Heidi Krug-Myers
11:18 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
What about Bingo? Any info about wristband days for the carnival?
Mark Bushey
1:45 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
I'm very excited for this year. My 18 months old daughter will actually get a chance to enjoy it!
Joanne Johnson
3:45 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Lots of questions! Let me start at the top.
J: We WILL have handicap buses available on both the Lake and Cook routes. Regarding the use of golf carts to transport on the grounds, the committee has found that, because of the crowds, golf carts provide the safest means of transporting residents who need assistance. The committee will certainly discuss your comments at its August 7th meeting. Thanks for your input. We are always looking for ways to improve.
Heidi: Bingo is still a part of BG Days and the wristband days will be the same as in past years.
Thanks for all of the questions and the excitement generated by my post. Keep in mind that this is just the first of many topic-specific articles that will appear during August and into the festival dates. You can also check out our website at www.bgdays.com fo learn anything you might want to know about the 2012 festival. Thanks again for you interest. I, like all of you, cannot wait for BG DAYS!!
Mark Bushey
3:47 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Any way I can volunteer and help out, let me know.
Joanne Johnson
3:54 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Mark: We are always looking for new members of our committee and for volunteers in general. Why don't you stop by our meeting on Aug. 7th. We meet in the Council Chambers at Village Hall at 7 pm. Look for me (I look just like my picture here) and I will introduce you to the committee. Sign-up sheets for various volunteer jobs will be available. Hope to see you there!
Steve Antman
10:48 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Great update Joanne! It will be a wonderful festival.
J
12:35 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Thank you Joanne! My family is looking forward to going again this year.
Ron
5:01 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
I Just Can't wait!!! too much Fun for 5 Days! Everyone Should came and see what we are talking about. Come See the big Party we put on!!!!!!!
Cristel Mohrman
5:19 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Thanks for this post, Joanne! It's great to see so much interest and excitement for this year's event! I've posted the full entertainment schedule at http://buffalogrove.patch.com/articles/buffalo-grove-days-2012-entertainment-schedule, and I look forward to seeing more updates from you!
Jim Pawlak
8:19 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
And live and in person will be Cristel Mohrman of the Buffalo Grove Patch....